One of the first questions that arise when considering renovating a home is: How much does a comprehensive renovation cost in Málaga? The price of renovating your house can vary enormously depending on multiple factors. Málaga and the Costa del Sol, in addition, have their particularities in costs due to the type of constructions, the demand for professionals, and the available materials. In this article, we will analyze all the factors that influence the price of a comprehensive renovation, from the size of the house to the quality of the finishes, giving indicative figures updated to 2025. We will also give you advice to estimate your budget and optimize the investment in the renovation without sacrificing quality. Let’s get to it!

Factors that influence the price of a comprehensive renovation

The cost of a comprehensive renovation is not fixed; it depends on several key factors:

• Surface area and condition of the property: It is logical that the size of the property directly influences the price. Renovating a 50 m² apartment will cost considerably less than one of 120 m², simply because there are fewer meters of floor, walls, and ceiling to renovate. In addition, the initial condition matters: it is not the same to renovate a practically open-plan property or one in good structural condition, as it is to renovate a very old one with obsolete installations that require a lot of demolition and reinforcement. Old houses in Málaga (for example, in the historic center or traditional neighborhoods) may involve extra work to renovate pipes, old electricity, eliminate dampness, etc., which increases the cost.

• Quality of materials and finishes: This is one of the factors that most influence the budget. You can opt for standard, medium, or luxury qualities. For example, in bathroom or kitchen tiling, there are economic tiles from €10-15/m² up to designer porcelain tiles that exceed €50/m². The same happens with floors (a basic stoneware does not cost the same as natural wood flooring), with sanitary ware (a normal toilet vs. a high-end one), with windows (standard double glazing vs. profiles with high-efficiency thermal break), etc. The higher the quality and design of the materials, the higher the cost. In Málaga, many current renovations invest in improving energy efficiency with good insulation and windows, which increases the initial budget but saves money in the long term on air conditioning.

• Scope of the work (partial vs. comprehensive renovation): We can distinguish between a comprehensive renovation – which involves practically the entire house – and partial renovations (only the kitchen and bathrooms, for example). A true comprehensive renovation usually includes renovating all rooms, changing all installations (electricity, plumbing, air conditioning), carpentry, floors, bathrooms, and complete kitchen. It is practically like having a brand new house inside. Obviously, this is more expensive than if your house already has renovated parts and you are only going to renovate some areas. What happens if the renovation includes changing the distribution? Tearing down or raising partitions is not usually the most expensive thing in itself, but modifying the distribution can involve new electrical and plumbing installations, moving water points, drains, sockets, etc. These technical works add cost compared to a renovation that maintains the original distribution.

• Need for a technical project: If the renovation affects structural elements (for example, removing a load-bearing wall, changing beams, expanding built meters) you will need an architect’s project and possibly reinforce the structure. This significantly increases the renovation due to technical fees and additional engineering works. Luckily, in typical apartments, most comprehensive renovations do not touch the structure, but in single-family homes or extensions it could be the case. It also adds cost if you have to process major building permits (municipal fees, approved project, etc.), as we mentioned in the first part of this guide.

• Labor and contracted company: The final price will also depend on the rates of the company or professionals you hire. In Málaga city and the coast, labor can be slightly higher than in rural areas of the interior, due to the higher standard of living and demand. Even so, it is always advisable to look for renovation companies with a good quality-price ratio, not to choose the first option without comparing. Keep in mind that a very cheap crew could save on quality or not be certified, while very prestigious companies may charge extra for the brand. Find a balance: professionals with experience and references, at a fair price. Requesting several quotes will give you a range of labor costs for your project.

• Other additional factors: Logistics also influence. If your house is in a building without an elevator and materials have to be carried up to a 4th floor, the work will take more effort than on a ground floor or with an elevator (they may charge something more for the difficulty). Likewise, if the renovation is in an urbanization with complicated access, if you have to ask for permits for debris containers in the street, or if you need to stay outside during the work, all these are indirect costs to consider. Finally, always reserve a cushion for unforeseen events (recommendable 10-15% of the budget) because in many renovations surprises appear: a hidden pillar, a deteriorated installation that was not seen, etc. Being financially prepared for these unforeseen events will prevent the work from being left unfinished.

Indicative prices: how much does it cost to renovate in Málaga?

Let’s get into concrete numbers. Although each project is unique, we can give indicative prices for a comprehensive renovation in Málaga in 2025 based on market averages:

• Price per square meter: As a general reference, the cost of a standard comprehensive renovation in Spain is around €500 per m². According to idealista data, “the price per square meter of a comprehensive home renovation can range between €400 and €600 for medium-low qualities, and rise to €800–1000 per m² for high-level renovations”idealista.com. This means that, for example, completely renovating an 80 m² apartment could cost around €32,000 – €48,000 in medium qualities, while a larger 120 m² apartment could go to €50,000 – €72,000 approximately, provided we use standard materials of good quality. If we want premium finishes, those same apartments could cost €80,000 or more. Each project will vary, but this figure per square meter gives you a first idea to do quick calculations according to the meters of your home.

• Bathroom renovation: Renovating a complete bathroom in Málaga costs on average between €3,000 and €6,000, depending on qualities. A small bathroom (4 m²) with basic qualities could cost around €2,500-3,000, while a large bathroom (6-8 m²) with porcelain tiles, custom furniture, walk-in shower, etc., can exceed €5,000. Changing the bathtub for a shower (very requested) usually costs around €1,200-1,800 as part of the bathroom renovation. Remember to include in the price the sanitary ware, faucets, dish or screen, furniture, lighting, and ventilation if necessary.

• Kitchen renovation: Renovating the kitchen is usually one of the most expensive items, due to the number of elements it includes (furniture, countertop, appliances, tiles, plumbing, electricity). A standard kitchen of 8-10 m² in Málaga can cost between €5,000 and €10,000. In the low range we would have economic modular furniture and laminated countertop, and in the high range custom-made high-end furniture, natural stone or quartz countertop, paneled appliances of premium brands, etc. Open kitchens may require integrating a living room (adding an island, tearing down a wall), which adds about €1,000-2,000 for the construction work and reinforcements if necessary. It is important to invest in good installations in the kitchen: sufficient light points, new water intakes if the old ones are from decades ago, and adequate ventilation. These are things that are sometimes not seen but make the difference in safety and comfort.

• Floors and coverings: Changing the pavement of the entire house can range between €20 and €50 per m² installed, depending on the material. For example, putting standard ceramic stoneware can cost €20/m² placed (material + labor), while a quality wood-imitation porcelain tile can be €35/m², and a laminate flooring perhaps €25/m². If you opt for natural wood or marble, the price rises to €50-60/m² or more placed. On walls, smoothing textured paint and painting usually costs around €8-12 per m² of wall/ceiling. Thus, for an 80 m² apartment you could spend about €2,000 – €3,000 on quality smooth paint throughout the house, depending on the condition of the walls and if they require a lot of preparation.

• Electrical and plumbing installations: In a comprehensive renovation, we always recommend renewing the electrical and plumbing installations if they are more than 20-30 years old, for safety and efficiency. Putting a new electrical installation in an average apartment (with new panel, wiring, mechanisms, electrical bulletin) usually costs around €2,000 – €3,500, depending on the number of circuits and light/socket points. The new plumbing (cold/hot water pipes in kitchen and bathroom, plus drains) may be around €1,500 – €3,000 in total, depending on how many bathrooms there are and the complexity (these prices usually include labor and standard materials of multilayer pipe or similar). Including pre-installation or improvement of air conditioning (e.g.: installing a duct system taking advantage of the renovation) can mean another €1,500 – €3,000 additional, appliance included. Although they represent a significant cost, modernizing these installations will increase safety and avoid costly breakdowns in the future.

In summary, for an average-sized apartment (80-100 m²) in Málaga, a complete comprehensive renovation with medium qualities could be in the order of €40,000 – €60,000 in 2025. Of course, each house is a world: renovating an old house in an inland village can reduce some work, while renovating a luxury apartment facing the sea in Marbella can skyrocket the qualities and prices. But the previous figures serve as an indicative guide. It is always advisable to ask for a personalized study.

Note: Remember that in renovations of habitual residences in Spain, labor usually carries a reduced VAT of 10% (instead of the standard 21%) provided that the property is more than 2 years old and the contractor is a professional. This represents a small tax saving to take into account in the final budgetidealista.com. Consult with your renovation company to correctly apply the reduced VAT in your project.

Keys to saving on your renovation without sacrificing quality

We all want to achieve the best renovation at the best price. Is it possible to save money without the quality suffering? Following these keys, you can optimize costs intelligently:

• Plan in detail and avoid changes on the fly: A common mistake that increases the cost of renovations is changing your mind in the middle of the work. Each late modification (moving a partition that was already raised, changing a finish already ordered, etc.) involves delays and cost overruns. Dedicate time in the project phase to decide exactly what you want. Review plans, choose materials calmly, and close the design before starting. Once the renovation has started, try to stick to the plan. Thus, the agreed budget will be maintained and there will be no surprises.

• Compare several budgets and negotiate: Do not settle for the first quote you receive. Ideally, request 3 budgets from different renovation companies in Málaga. When comparing them, make sure that they all include the same items so that the comparison is fair. If you see large differences, ask each company why (one may include something that another does not, or they may use different qualities). With the offers in hand, you can negotiate certain aspects. Sometimes, if you already have a lower budget from the competition, the company you prefer can adjust the price a little or match it. Or perhaps they offer improvements (e.g.: painting an extra wall, or installing something additional) at no cost to win the project. Negotiating costs nothing, and a serious professional will give you clear options of how far they can adjust without compromising quality.

• Choose medium quality materials or look for discounts: It is not always necessary to go to the most luxurious brands to have a good result. Many local stores in Málaga offer medium quality materials at very reasonable prices. For example, there is Spanish porcelain stoneware of excellent quality/price that looks great for much less money than imported Italian designs. The same with sanitary ware or kitchens: national brands are usually cheaper than imported ones and offer a guarantee. Another idea is to take advantage of offers and outlets: sometimes you can get balance tiles, end-of-series or store exhibitions with a significant discount. Just make sure there is enough stock for your work. Investing in durable materials is important, but you can save by choosing intermediate ranges instead of the top ones, and still get a very good finish.

• Do not skimp on what is important (qualified labor and installations): Although we seek to save, there are areas where it is a bad idea to cut expenses excessively. Hiring non-professional or undocumented labor may seem cheaper, but in the long run it is expensive: poorly done work, delays, lack of guarantees… Better entrust your renovation to experienced professionals. Also, do not save by removing critical improvements: for example, do not reuse old electrical installations for not paying for a new one, as it could be dangerous. Or do not fail to properly waterproof a shower for saving a few euros, because then a leak will cost you much more. It is preferable to adjust the scope (do a little less renovation) but do everything you do with quality, than do a lot but badly. Prioritize important items (structure, installations, insulation) and adjust in cosmetic details if necessary.

• Consider doing the renovation in phases: If the total budget is beyond your reach, one strategy is to divide the renovation into phases. For example, first renovate the kitchen and bathroom, then later the bedrooms, etc. This allows you to finance it little by little. However, keep in mind that doing several small jobs is a bit more expensive overall than doing one big one (because there are fixed costs that are repeated, moving materials, travel, minimums for each trade…). But if you can’t tackle everything at once, it’s a valid alternative. Prioritize the rooms that need it most or the urgent improvements (perhaps first renovate general installations, or eliminate leaks, etc.). And leave the more aesthetic or secondary changes for a second phase. Always planning with the company to do it in an orderly manner.

Requesting quotes: the importance of a detailed budget

When requesting a quote for a comprehensive renovation, there are certain keys that will help you obtain more accurate and useful estimates:

1. Clearly define what you want to renovate: The more details you provide to the renovation company, the more accurate the budget will be. Indicate the square meters, the rooms included, if you also want to renovate installations, approximate qualities you are looking for, etc. For example: “comprehensive renovation of 90 m² apartment in Málaga: knock down 2 partition walls, complete new kitchen, 2 new bathrooms, laminate flooring in living room and bedrooms, replace 5 windows, keep existing doors”. That description will allow the professional to calculate specific items. If you only say “renovate old apartment”, each company could assume different things and the prices vary greatly.

2. Request a technical visit to your home: Ideally, the company should visit the property before giving a price. Seeing the condition of the house in situ (current qualities, possible complications such as access, structure, etc.) allows them to refine the budget much better. In Málaga, most serious companies offer a first visit and advice free of charge and without obligationreformas-malaga.comreformas-malaga.com. During that visit, explain your ideas and also listen to suggestions. They can advise you on solutions that you may not have considered and optimize the project. After the inspection, they will prepare a written quote for you.

3. Demand a breakdown by chapters: A detailed budget must include the different items: demolition, masonry, plumbing, electricity, finishes (floors, tiling, painting), carpentry, etc., with its corresponding costreformas-malaga.com. It should also indicate the estimated execution times (for example, 8 weeks of work) and the payment methods. When each concept is separate, it is easier to identify where the money is going and adjust if necessary. For example, if you see that the budgeted tiles are very expensive, you can change them for more economical ones and lower that chapter. Avoid global budgets of “apartment renovation: X euros” without further detail, because you will not know exactly what it includes.

4. Compare the offers as a whole: When you have several detailed proposals, compare them carefully. Don’t just look at the total: check if all the items are included. It may be that a budget is lower but because it does not include something important (for example, it does not mention the removal of debris or new doors). In that case, when adding it later, it could even be more expensive. Therefore, initial transparency is vital. If you have any questions, ask the reformer to clarify them. Once compared, do not automatically choose the cheapest. Also value the confidence that the company gave you, the quality of materials they offer, and their willingness. Sometimes it is preferable to pay a little more to someone who gives you better guarantees and professional treatment.

5. Negotiate and sign a contract: When you have decided on an offer, do not forget to formalize it in writing. A renovation contract must include the final agreed budget, the construction deadlines, the qualities (you can attach lists of materials if they are already chosen), the payment conditions, penalties for delay if any, and guarantees. It is a legal backing for both parties. Make sure that any subsequent changes in the scope of the work are also documented and budgeted before being executed, to avoid misunderstandings.

Finally, an extra tip: be realistic with prices. If a well-detailed budget from a reliable professional tells you that your renovation costs €50,000, distrusting someone who offers to do it for €30,000 can save you from a bad time. Nobody gives away their work; an abysmal difference usually implies cuts in quality or future cost overruns. As in everything, finding a balance between price and quality is the key.

Conclusion: invest intelligently in your renovation

In conclusion, the price of a comprehensive renovation in Málaga will depend on many factors, but with the right information you can get an approximate idea and plan your investment intelligently. We have reviewed the factors that influence the cost – from square meters to finishes – and we have given you price references for various common jobs. We also provide tips to save without compromising quality and to properly manage the process of requesting quotes and contracting the work.

Renovating your home is an investment in your well-being and in the future value of your property. Although the outlay may be significant, think about the advantages: living in the house of your dreams, with spaces tailored to your needs, modern and efficient facilities, and the style you always wanted. In addition, in an area as attractive as Málaga and the Costa del Sol, a well-done renovation can considerably increase the market value of your home – a fact to take into account if you plan to sell or rent in the future.

If you still have doubts about how much your specific project could cost, at Cota del Sol Reformas we will be happy to help you. We offer personalized advice and a free quote adapted to your needs. Our team of professionals in Málaga has extensive experience in comprehensive renovations, we know the best local suppliers and we optimize every euro so that your investment yields the maximum.

Ready to take the step? Contact us today and request your free quote. We will guide you in each stage: from the initial planning and choice of materials, to the final delivery of the work, meeting deadlines and guaranteeing quality. Turn the renovation of your home into a positive and exciting experience. Your new home in Málaga awaits you, and we have the tools and talent to make it a reality at the best price. Let’s talk about your project!